By DASHNOR KALOÇI
Part Two
Memorie.al/ Full 36 years ago, in the last week of September 1990, the head of communist Albania at that time, Ramiz Alia, who held the functions of Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the PLA, and also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, at the head of a large delegation, set off to participate in the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Ramiz Alia’s participation in the 45th session of the UN had a great resonance at the time, not only within the country but also in the international arena, since it was the first time that one of the main leaders of communist Albania took part in the proceedings of the UN Assembly, something which had not happened since 1961, when official Tirana was represented in that high forum of world politics and diplomacy by the prime minister of that time, Mehmet Shehu.
Even though 36 years have passed since that time, it continues to remain shrouded in mystery even today, since with the exception of some testimonies of the members of that delegation (the memoirs of Reiz Malile, or Lisen Bashkurti), as well as very few archival documents published in the press, nothing else is known about the visit of the head of the Albanian state of that time, Ramiz Alia, to the 45th session of the United Nations in New York, which held its proceedings for about three consecutive weeks, until the middle of October 1990.
For example: When did the preparation and drafting of the relevant protocol for the participation of the Albanian delegation in that high forum of world politics begin, who were the other members of the delegation who accompanied Ramiz Alia on that long journey across the Atlantic and what functions did they hold; of how many people did the support staff that accompanied the Albanian delegation consist, and who were they?! When did the preparation begin and what did the program of visits and meetings of Ramiz Alia contain during the entire period that they would stay in the USA? Was that entire program realized according to the relevant protocol, and who were the heads of foreign delegations that Ramiz Alia met during all the days of his stay in the USA, and what did he discuss with them? Who were the Albanians of the “old diaspora” with whom the head of communist Albania met during that visit, what was discussed at those meetings, and were there any incidents with the “reactionary Albanian diaspora,” who had fled from Albania after 1945? Who organized the reception that Ramiz Alia gave for compatriots in Boston, who were some of the exponents of the Albanian diaspora who assisted there, and how did that meeting go?
What was the travel itinerary of the Albanian delegation from Tirana to the USA, why were they divided into several groups, and the reasons for staying one night in Switzerland? Why was Arben Alia, the son of the head of state, Ramiz Alia, also part of the Albanian delegation, and how was his participation in the composition of the said delegation “justified”? How many and what were the gifts that the Albanian delegation headed by Ramiz Alia took with them, and to whom were they given in Switzerland and the USA? Why was Hotel “Plaza” (the hotel owned by the current president of the USA, Donald Trump) chosen for the accommodation of Ramiz Alia and some other members of that delegation? How much did that entire visit cost financially, why were other funds added during the period that the delegation was in the USA, and how were those expenses justified?
Why did the staff of Albanian diplomats serving in the UN Mission take care to give Ramiz Alia also an accurate layout of the hall where the 45th session of the UN would be held, specifying even the place where the main representative of the delegation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would sit?! Who were the two bodyguards (the doctor and the driver) who accompanied Ramiz Alia during that entire visit, and how was it possible for them to travel on the plane with weapons and ammunition with them? Who were the members of the filming group of Albanian Radio-Television who accompanied the delegation, and what tasks were given to them? Regarding these etc., the archival documents extracted from the Central State Archive (the fund of the former Central Committee of the PLA) acquaint us, which are published for the first time and with the respective facsimiles by Memorie.al
Continued from the previous issue
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE TELEGRAM OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SENT TO THE ALBANIAN AMBASSADOR IN ROME, DASHNOR DERVISHI, FOR THE PURCHASE OF A DIPLOMATIC BAG THAT RAMIZ ALIA WOULD NEED DURING HIS VISIT TO THE USA FOR THE UN MEETING
4298 PKPRPSSH ABM
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614169 AMBALB I
11/29/90 1129
4298 PKPRPSSH AB
URGENT
Com. DASHNOR DERVISHI,
AS WE DISCUSSED ON THE PHONE, SEND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A GOOD DIPLOMATIC BAG, ON ACCOUNT OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY.
GREETINGS.
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
THE TELEX WENT OUT PROPERLY.
4298 PKPRPSSH AB
REGARDS TO ALL COMRADES.
GREETINGS
4298 PKPRPSSH ABM
The bag is needed for com. Ramiz’s visit to the UN
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE INFORMATION OF THE SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SIHAT TOZAJ, FOR THE PURCHASE OF A DIPLOMATIC BAG FROM THE ALBANIAN EMBASSY IN ROME, FOR RAMIZ ALIA’S VISIT TO THE USA
PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
Tirana, 15.9.90.
No. 2021
Subject:
ACCOUNT
H e r e b y
According to the order, on the part of our embassy in Rome, a diplomatic bag in the form of a cassette with secret numbers was bought for comrade Ramiz Alia’s visit to the UN.
According to the attached invoice sent by our embassy, it cost L. 529,000. This amount from our fund you are to transfer to the embassy for settlement.
The bag will be in the inventory of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and will be used by special order.
SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM
Sihat Tozaj
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SENT TO THE HEAD OF THE MISSION AT THE UN, BASHKIM PITARKA, REGARDING THE TRAVEL THERE OF THE DIPLOMAT MIKEL GJIKA
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19/09/90 1147
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URGENT
COMRADE BASHKIM PITARKA
WITH COMRADE MIKEL GJIKA WE ARE LEAVING TODAY WITH DATE 19 SEPTEMBER 1990 A TOTAL OF 13 PARCELS OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY.
TAKE MEASURES FOR THEIR TRANSPORT SINCE COMRADE MIKEL HAS A LOT OF LUGGAGE. THE PARCELS ARE TO BE KEPT IN THE MISSION FOR WHICH WE WILL INFORM YOU.
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE NOTIFICATION OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SENT TO THE HEAD OF THE MISSION AT THE UN, BASHKIM PITARKA, FOR THE SENDING OF 59 THOUSAND USD THAT WOULD BE USED BY THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION DURING THE VISIT TO THE USA
TIME: 09186
- 923236456+
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COM. BASHKIM PITARKA
FOR YOUR ACCOUNT 59,000 US DOLLARS WERE SENT URGENTLY FOR THE DELEGATION OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY AND ON DATE 20.09.90 WE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION FROM THE BANK CREDIT LYONNAIS N. WITH QPER.NBR. 02633306090 PAID SETTL. EXP. 50,000 (FIFTY THOUSAND) US DOLLARS. VERIFY ONCE AGAIN ON YOUR PART AND NOTIFY US OF RECEIPT. FOR THE USE OF THIS FUND YOU WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS THERE WITH OUR DELEGATION.
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
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ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SIHAT TOZAJ, SENT TO THE RECEPTION DIRECTORATE IN TIRANA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF GIFTS FOR RAMIZ ALIA’S VISIT TO THE USA
PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
Tirana, 15.9.90
No. 2019
Subject:
RECEPTION DIRECTORATE
TIRANA
For comrade Ramiz Alia’s visit to the UN, prepare on your part:
70 bottles of raki
50 bottles of cognac;
70 packs of good Albanian cigarettes;
50 gifts for high UN personalities;
10 gifts for high personalities in Switzerland;
On your part, take measures that the above materials be well packaged, in solid boxes, and sent on 19 September to New York, with a part of the delegation that leaves that day. The gifts for Switzerland will be sent later, we will notify you of the day.
Account here for action as above.
SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM
Sihat Tozaj
Conc. V. Boriçi
Typ. R. Andrea
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SIHAT TOZAJ, SENT TO THE “ENVER HOXHA” MUSEUM IN TIRANA, FOR THE SENDING OF THE SHEET OF VISITING CARDS OF RAMIZ ALIA, WHICH WOULD BE USED DURING HIS VISIT TO THE USA
PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
Tirana, 15.9.90
No. 2020
Subject: TO THE “ENVER HOXHA” MUSEUM
T I R A N A
On account of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, transfer 7 (seven) sheets of Hamer paper, which will be used for comrade Ramiz Alia’s visiting cards.
SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM
Sihat Tozaj
Conc. V. Boriçi
Typ. R. Andrea
Account here for action as above.
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE LETTER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, SIHAT TOZAJ, SENT TO THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, XHAFER SPAHIU, REGARDING THE ALLOCATION OF 70,000 USD FOR THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION AT THE UN MEETING
Com. Xhafer
The decision came out with 70,000 Dollars, but I don’t know if they will suffice?
Sihat Tozaj
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE REPLY OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, XHAFER SPAHIU, TO THE LETTER SENT BY THE SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE ASSEMBLY, SIHAT TOZAJ, WHERE HE ALSO ALLOCATES ANOTHER 30,000 USD
In case these are not enough, a second request is to be made to the Government, for 30,000 dollars.
Comrade Stavri is to present it to me for signature
The document for concept was made.
Request for another 30,000 dollars
S. Ilia
18.9.90
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE REQUEST OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, XHAFER SPAHIU, ADDRESSED TO THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, FOR THE ALLOCATION OF ANOTHER 30,000 USD, FOR THE EXPENSES OF THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION AT THE UN
PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
Tirana, 18.9.90
No. 2043/2
Subject: Request for additional fund in non-commercial currency.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
TIRANA
Further to our document no. 2043, dated 17.9.1990, it is necessary to add another 30,000 dollars because only the plane tickets are calculated at about 42 thousand dollars. As a result, the amount allocated, according to our first request, is not sufficient.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM
Xhafer Spahiu
18/9/’90
Conc. N. Beli
Typ. L. Ilia
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE REQUEST OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, XHAFER SPAHIU, SENT TO THE FINANCE BRANCH OF THE ASSEMBLY, FOR THE ALLOCATION OF ANOTHER 50,000 USD, FOR THE EXPENSES OF THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION AT THE UN
PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY
Tirana, 18.9.90
No. 2044
Subject:
ACCOUNT
H e r e b y
For the delegation headed by comrade Ramiz Alia, which is participating in the UN, urgently send to our Mission in New York the amount of 50 thousand US dollars, which will be used for the Hotel, food, and other eventual expenses. The delegation will take with it 10 thousand dollars as a reserve fund during the trip and will be handed over to com. Vahid Boriçi. On your part, the travel tickets are to be paid, which are booked with the itinerary Tirana – Zurich – New York – Boston – Zurich – Geneva – Tirana. It is possible that the return itinerary may change. Also, the members of the delegation are to be equipped with per diems or pocket money according to the rules. It is foreseen that the trip will be made on 24 September 1990.
SECRETARY OF THE PRESIDIUM
Sihat Tozaj
Conc. V. Boriçi
Typ. R. Andrea
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE TELEGRAM OF THE DIPLOMAT ALFRED PAPUÇIU AT THE MISSION IN GENEVA, SENT TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, REGARDING THE BOOKING OF THE PLANE FOR THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION AT THE UN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Comrade Petraq Pojani
The representative of Swiss-air Dublin is interested in landing the line plane from Athens, for the date we discussed.
4/8/1990 Greetings
Alfredi
ARCHIVAL DOCUMENT WITH THE TELEGRAM OF THE DIPLOMAT ALFRED PAPUÇIU AT THE ALBANIAN MISSION IN GENEVA, SENT TO THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REIZ MALILE, REGARDING THE BOOKING OF THE PLANE THAT THE ALBANIAN DELEGATION WOULD TRAVEL ON
Very urgent
Comrade Reis
I spoke with the Dublin of Swiss-air. He is awaiting the answer from the Directorate of Swiss-air in Athens for the possibility of landing the Athens – Zurich plane in Tirana. He told me that the possibility exists to arrange it.
Usually the plane leaves at 9:10 from Athens and arrives in Zurich at 11:05. If it lands in Tirana it will leave not at 9:10, but earlier.
There is a Swiss-air plane for Zurich twice a day.
a) The first plane leaves at 17:00 from New York and arrives in the morning in Zurich at 6:35 (with Swiss and Albanian time).
b) The second plane leaves from New York at 19:00 New York time and arrives in Geneva at 8:35 in the morning and in Zurich at 10:15 (Swiss and Albanian time).
There is a plane from Boston at 21:25 (according to Boston time) and it arrives in Zurich at 10:30 (Swiss and Albanian time).
For everything I will notify you immediately./ Memorie.al
5 September 1990
Greetings
Alfredi
Continued in the next issue
